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World Kidney Day

This day aims to highlight the importance of kidneys. Kidney stones are a common kidney disease which is one of the most painful medical conditions. This day aims to highlight the importance of kidneys to overall health. It also tries to spread information about different kidney diseases and how to prevent these. Kidney stones are a painful condition. These stones are hard deposits that form inside the kidneys.

10 Habits That Can Harm Your Kidneys

        1. Not drinking enough water

        2. Being deficient in vitamins

        3. Trying to hold it in when you want to pee

        4. Consuming too much salt

        5. Having sweets in excess

        6. Not exercising regularly

        7. Untimely consumption of medicines

        8. Not monitoring your blood pressure regularly

        9. Binge drinking and smoking

        10. Consuming an excess of proteins

A kidney stone can cause severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs. Other symptoms of kidney stones may include pain during urination, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, urination more than usual and persistent need to urinate.

You can avoid kidney stones with right diet. Drinking enough water is considered as the best practice to keep your kidneys healthy. The more liquid in your diet, the lesser is the risk of developing kidney stones and other kidney diseases.

World Kidney Day is an annual event. On every second Thursday in the month of March, the World Kidney Day is celebrated.

Empowerment of patients, educational campaigns, proper training for medical services and encouraging people to adapt to a healthier lifestyle to reduce the chances of being affected by a kidney disease are some of the sectors World Kidney Day focuses on.

Significance

Kidney diseases are non-communicable and currently affect 850 million people across the world.

Do’s and don’ts

1. What to eat-

Add more citrus to your diet: Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, lemon or pineapple are can help you reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. You can consume either fruit or fruit juice.

Add more calcium to your diet: Good levels of calcium can also help you prevent the formation of kidney stones. Add more dairy to your diet or other sources of calcium legumes, dark green vegetables, nuts and seeds. Also, add vitamin D to your diet for better calcium absorption.

Moderate amount of plant-based protein: It is advised to add plant-based protein to your diet in moderation. Whereas, animal-based protein should be strictly avoided.

Avoid consuming too much salt.

It is advised not to eat much animal-based protein in moderation.

Signs and symptoms

Loss of blood flow to the kidney can make increased risk of kidney failure. Heart attack, heart disease, scarring of liver, dehydration, an allergic reaction, a severe infection or a severe burn can result in loss of blood flow the kidneys. Also, high blood pressure and some anti-inflammatory medications may limit blood flow to the kidneys.

Following are other Causes of Kidney Failure

    Kidney stones

    Uncontrolled diabetes

    Lupus

    Damage to nerves that control bladder

    Enlarged prostate

    Blood clots within urinary tract

    Drug and alcohol abuse

    Chemotherapy drugs

    Infection

    Overload of toxins from heave metals

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Failure

Decrease urine output and fluid retention which leads to swelling in limbs are a few of the early signs of kidney failure. Also, shortness of breath is considered to be a symptom of kidney failure.

    Reduced amount of urine

    Consistent nausea

    Drowsiness

    Fatigue

    Swelling in legs, ankle and feet (this is a result of fluid retention caused by kidneys being unable to eliminate liquid waste)

Dialysis and kidney transplant are the two treatment available for kidney failure.